Fingal Valley and East Coast gets the rain

Heavy rainfall, mainly in the east of the state this week, has been both a blessing and a curse, with minor flash flooding affecting some properties but the majority of farmers welcoming the break in dry conditions.

Rainfall totals of between 20 and 50mm were recorded across much of the state on Wednesday, driven by a low-pressure system and trough pulling heavy moisture from the east. 

The highest total was at Gray with 55mm. Nugent recorded 58.4mm, Longley 56.2mm, 55.8mm, Swansea/East Coast 35 to 45, Midlands 15 to 25mm. The north-west missed the brunt of the heavy weather system. 

In the Fingal Valley at Avoca, Rob O’Connor welcomed the downpour of around 25mm at Benham, adding it would have made a bigger difference if it had come a month ago but he’s hoping for a bit of pasture growth before the next winter cold snap.

“It will get our dryland cereal and canola crops germinating and it might even mean we can ease off the feeding of grain to the sheep for a while - feed is already getting low,” he said.

With crops dry-sown and relying on rain, Rob admitted he had been getting nervous.

“This rain will really help but it could be a tough winter and spring if we don’t get some follow-up rain.”

Tasmanian farmers are bracing for a challenging winter with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting below-average rainfall for the eastern and southern regions, alongside warmer-than-average daytime and overnight temperatures.

The heaviest band of rain has begun moving away to the east, but minor localised flooding in low-lying areas and small creeks may persist over the next few days. 

Today, May 28, Tasmania SES issued a Flood Advice - Monitor conditions for Fingal to Avoca and the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a minor flood warning for the South Esk river. Low-lying areas around Fingal to Avoca are likely to be impacted.During the next 48 hours:

• Flooding in nearby streams and rivers is likely.
• Some low-lying properties may become isolated by flood waters.
• Flood waters may threaten property, livestock, equipment, and crops.
• Driving conditions may be dangerous.

If you are in a low-lying area of Fingal to Avoca or near the South Esk river, SES advises

• If you have a flood emergency plan, check it now.
• Monitor conditions and prepare to go to a safer place if conditions become more dangerous.
• For SES Flood Warning updates, visit TasALERT.com or listen to ABC local radio.